Breaking the Silence: Understanding Selective Mutism in Children
In a recent publication on The Conversation, discusses the challenges faced by children with selective mutism. Occurring in approximately one in 140 children under the age of eight, selective mutism manifests as silence and physical freezing in specific social situations, presenting a significant hurdle for affected individuals.
Told through the experiences of ‘Belle,’ her journey highlights the impact of selective mutism on education, friendships, and everyday experiences. Selective Mutism is characterised by a consistent pattern of silence in expected speech situations, often begins between two to five years of age. If left untreated, it can have profound effects on mental health and well-being in adulthood.
The article states that researchers have identified multiple factors contributing to selective mutism, including genetic predisposition, temperament, brain development, and environmental influences. Notably, a 2011 study from the University of California found a link between the gene associated with autism, language impairment, and anxiety traits and selective mutism.
Children with selective mutism typically exhibit a "behavioural inhibition" temperament, avoiding new people, situations, and risks. Studies have indicated a higher prevalence of communication difficulties, autism, and developmental delays in individuals with selective mutism.